Niamh Henderson enjoying comeback after Orchard absence

It may have only been a fifth-round game in Division 1 of the Lidl National Football League, but for Niamh Henderson Armagh's clash with Kerry at the Athletic Grounds on 3 March of this year was one of major significance.

A part of the Orchard County side that secured the TG4 All-Ireland intermediate crown with a final victory over Waterford back in 2012, Henderson also went on to win NFL Division 3 and 2 titles with Armagh in 2014 and 2015 respectively. However, after subsequently having two operations on her knee, she ended up being away from competitive fare for an extended period of time.

The summer of 2018 then saw Henderson giving birth to her son Noah and although she returned to club action with Clann Eireann, she remained away from the inter-county scene until she was enticed back to the Armagh panel earlier this year. The visit of Kerry to the Athletic Grounds in March saw her donning the Orchard jersey for the first time in almost nine years and she registered a point from full-forward in a 3-14 to 1-13 success at the Kingdom’s expense.

"I have to say, I was nervous coming back in that Kerry game. Obviously it was a big game for us and it was on our home pitch. I just said to myself 'I need to be brave and just go out and try my best'. Be proud to wear the Armagh jersey," Henderson explained.

"Obviously I took that time out that I had hurt my knee and then I had my wee boy. He’s six now, so he’s just at a really good age. I’m just delighted that I can wear the Armagh jersey and also be a role model for him.

"That was a big day for me and I think I’ve just continued to build from that. Get a bit more confident within the team and just gelling with the girls a bit more. It’s going well so far and I’m delighted that I